‘Makes us stronger’: How four Rock Hill businesses to split $100K prize helps city
Four businesses intent on making Rock Hill a more diverse place to work emerged from their peers, earning $100,000 between them to turn their dreams into reality.
A pediatric therapy business, wellness clinic, apparel company and performing arts center came away winners of the BELL XPrize. Those businesses shared in prize money put up by JM Cope Construction earlier this year.
The Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill, or BELL, began in March 2018. A group of black business owners and active community leaders formed an advocacy group focused on creating a more diverse business environment in the city.
About 70 current or potential business owners applied this past summer when project leaders announced the $100,000 prize. Of them, 40 met each Tuesday night for months with coaching from city business leaders on how to start or expand companies. There were 20 submitted business plans, then a dozen finalists who made pitches to a committee of judges.
“When individuals and private businesses come together, giving of their time, talent and resources to invest in the dreams of others, it is life changing for all involved,” said Dawn Johnson, BELL chairwoman and XPrize judge. “An experience like this is unifying and makes us stronger.”
Carolina Therapy Solutions for Kids earned the largest chunk of the XPrize. Owner Kimberly Mood now has $30,000 to spend on expansion. The company provides in-home and clinical pediatric therapy. The practice focuses on children with special needs, but also equipping families.
“Our primary mission is to equip parents and caregivers to integrate therapeutic practices into their daily routines,” Mood said. “We want to give the family the skills to be the therapist each day and across the lifespan.”
Another clinic, Body Envy Wellness and Hydration, took the second highest prize. Owner Jesslyn Anderson earned $27,000. The clinic focuses on weight loss, wellness products and IV hydration.
True Divine Xpressions owners Harold and Julisa White brought home $25,000. The company provides custom and Greek apparel. They plan to focus on fraternity and sorority spirit, but also will create items for teams and companies.
The fourth winner is New Attitude Performing Arts Center. Owner Erika Hogan offers a variety of dance styles, and programs both in leadership and for dancers with varied physical abilities. Hogan received $18,000.
While four winners worked their ways to the front of the contest, project leaders say they’re hopeful many businesses will begin or grow from the dozens of participants who received training in recent months.
Andrew Cope, president of JM Cope, said prior to the final awards announcement he wasn’t sure about being a judge because he doesn’t like telling people no. After judging numerous entrepreneurs, Cope said he’s interested to see how many great ideas might turn into commerce, and how existing businesses might continue the investment in them.
“We’re excited to bring it to a close and really help to launch some businesses,” Cope said.
This story was originally published December 23, 2019 at 12:55 PM.
